Introduction
Alt text, short for alternative text, is a crucial aspect of web accessibility and image optimization. It provides a text description of images for users who are visually impaired or unable to view images on a webpage. Alt text also plays a significant role in search engine optimization (SEO) by helping search engines understand the content of images.
Importance of Alt Text
1. Accessibility: Alt text enables users with visual impairments to understand the context of images on a website, making the content more accessible to everyone.
2. SEO: Search engines rely on alt text to index and rank images in search results. Including relevant alt text can improve the visibility of your content online.
Best Practices for Alt Text
- Be descriptive: Provide a concise and accurate description of the image.
- Avoid keyword stuffing: Use relevant keywords, but make sure the alt text remains natural and informative.
- Keep it short: Alt text should be brief and to the point, conveying the essential details of the image.
Examples of Alt Text
Example 1:
Alt text for an image of a red apple: ‘A ripe red apple on a wooden table.’
Example 2:
Alt text for a picture of a beach sunset: ‘Colorful sunset over a tranquil beach.’
Case Studies
Companies that prioritize alt text have seen significant improvements in their website accessibility and search engine rankings. For example, a fashion retailer improved its SEO performance by optimizing alt text for product images, resulting in higher organic traffic and conversions.
Statistics
– 88% of users are more likely to stay on a website that is accessible to users with disabilities (WebAIM)
– Alt text can increase the likelihood of an image being ranked on Google Images by 20% (Backlinko)
